Experienced Professionals

You are our USP

How many times have you heard businesses say their people are their biggest asset? At Armstrong Watson every success we have achieved over the past 150 years has been down to our people. Our people are our USP.

Change can be tough, and we understand that changing jobs is always a difficult decision. Choosing the right employer to invest your time, and put your career and faith in, can too be really difficult.

We could tell you all about the role you would be doing and the amazing career development opportunities you would get, however every firm will tell you that, so why not speak to us in order to understand why we are different and allow us to get to know what makes you different!

Our Talent Acquisition Partner, David Ramsay would love to get to hear about your USP.

Contact David

We offer a range of excellent benefits, highly competitive salaries, and the opportunity to constantly develop your career. We are a Top 30 UK firm, however we pride ourselves on our personal touch, and although you might look after the numbers, you won't be treated like one.

With Armstrong Watson, when you’re with us ... we’re with you.

Looking for a change from a Big 4/Top 10 firm?

Our people come from a range of career experiences, from home grown talent to moving to us from a Big 4.

"I joined Armstrong Watson as our VAT and Indirect Tax Director in August last year after spending over ten years working at two of the “Big4” professional services firms. What attracted me to the firm was its size (we are a really big firm!) the people and Armstrong Watson’s vision for the future. I was one part of a Tax recruitment drive which so far has seen us bring in the Head of Tax from RSM nationally and a Tax Director from PwC London (and previously New York) in order to drive our Tax practice forwards.

Moving outside of the largest firms brings with it new experiences and a level of responsibility and exposure that is reserved only for senior partners in these bigger organisations, and broadly speaking the culture across the board is much more collaborative and transparent. Equally, one of the key selling points of the large firms – in terms of recruiting and retaining talent – is the opportunity to work on “the biggest clients in the world”. Whilst this may be true of senior teams in London, regional offices offer exposure only to a client base similar to, and from experience inferior to, Armstrong Watson’s. The ability to work across the firm with all clients and to be part of a team which really values its people means that the move to Armstrong Watson has been an excellent one for me."

Alex Nicholson– VAT Director, Newcastle

It is important to ask yourself "what sort of life do I want to live?" and work plays such a big part in getting this right. Speak to David Ramsay about the possibilities with us and we can work together to achieve the lifestyle you're aiming for.

Armstrong Watson Leadership Academy

We actively develop our experienced professionals throughout their careers.

Every year we run an academy for our high potential colleagues to develop exceptional self awareness, leadership and great client relationship skills which are critical in our business.

Careers enquiry

Our close links with professional associations is very important to us

ACA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

The ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA, is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. On completion, after a minimum of three years in a training contract, your ACA qualification will be recognised worldwide as a sign of quality and professionalism.

www.icaew.com

AAT Association of Accounting Technicians

This Internationally recognised qualification comes in three stages: level 2, level 3 and level 4. It offers students the chance to gain a real introduction to accounting and the chance to build on personal and business abilities. Completion of this leads to AAT Accountant status (MAAT).

www.aat.org.uk

ATT Association of Taxation Technicians

For students wanting to specialise in the taxation side of the accounting profession, the ATT is the route to take. As well as being educational, it also offers practical experience in the exciting world of tax compliance.

www.att.org.uk

CTA Chartered Institute of Taxation

Regarded as the 'gold standard' among tax professionals, this qualification is achieved through the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) which is the leading professional body in taxation.

www.tax.org.uk

CIPP CHARTERED Institute of Payroll Professionals

A three year qualification combining the Practitioner Certificate in Payroll, the Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Payroll and the Diploma in Payroll Management.

www.cipp.org.uk

Chartered Financial Planner

An internationally recognisable benchmark of quality and ethical practice for financial advice professionals, this qualification is achieved through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) which is the premier professional body for insurance and financial planning professionals.

Armstrong Watson

A great place to work

If you can't find what you are looking for, drop us a note today!

Get in touch

Working for Armstrong Watson

"When I joined AW (from a big 4 firm), one of my biggest concerns was that the team wouldn’t compare to what I was used to - I shouldn’t have been! The greatest strength of the AW team is that the tax assistance I need is across the desk, not someone I have to look around the office for, and because we’re sat next to each other we talk about the issue at hand. That means not only am I upskilling my corporate finance knowledge, but I’m trusting the person not the brand. Furthermore, as we’re all in touching distance of each other we’re investing in our teams, spending time coaching them and helping them develop. What’s amazing about AW is that we understand who our current clients are and who we want as our clients. OK, I’m no longer working on FTSE 250 clients with complex derivatives, but helping a local engineer secure funding for growth and more resources is just one example of how a change of firm has helped me to make more of a difference than just a box ticking exercise."

Simon Turner, Audit & Assurance Partner

"Studying AAT has given me valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my day to day work, and I will now be going on to study the ACA qualification. Working within a professional environment with the acquired skills from AAT has given me the confidence to progress within the workplace and moving forward hope my career will develop with the knowledge and expertise my training has given me."

Abigail Graham, Trainee Chartered Accountant

"Having gained an English Language Degree at Newcastle University, I joined the team in October 2011. Training for the ACA qualification helped me pursue my career goals by allowing me to further develop the skills I gained at University. Armstrong Watson supported and guided me throughout, offering useful learning and development advice during every step of the process. A career in accountancy is never dull, as the day to day workload is varied and continues to challenge me. I now work directly with clients and help provide advice to a very wide portfolio of sectors. Working within a team I feel valued and I have a good peer group who support me."

Rhys Davies, Audit & Assurance Senior Manager

"I joined Armstrong Watson two and a half years ago after completing an Accountancy and Finance degree. What initially attracted me to the firm was the ability to progress and gain experience in a wide range of departments across 14 offices and also feel part of a close team. I joined Armstrong Watson’s Chartered Programme in September 2015 and I am thoroughly enjoying every aspect of my job.

The firm ensure I gain as much experience as possible, tailoring my practical work experience to what I am studying at college, building my knowledge and understanding."

Annabelle Wood, Audit & Assurance Senior

"I joined Armstrong Watson in 2009 excited by the prospect of gaining qualifications as an apprentice while working full time; my preferred approach over University. Over the past nine years I’ve been supported through the AAT and ATT qualifications and given the opportunity to work with some fantastic people in different departments and locations across the firm. I’ve recently progressed to an Accounting Supervisor role advising and supporting mainly agricultural clients in and around Carlisle. The varied workload continues to challenge me day by day; just one of the things which makes Armstrong Watson a great place to work."

Murdo Laurie, Accounting Manager

"My AAT experience has been a never ending journey of challenges and excitement. I study AAT at Carlisle College which is local and friendly. I go to college one day a week and work four days a week. This enables me to apply my knowledge from college to my workplace and visa versa. The teachers at the college are all welcoming and eager for you to succeed, which makes it such an enjoyable place to learn."

Stephanie Gregory, Accounting Assistant

"I applied for the Armstrong Watson chartered Scheme after hearing about the opportunities a friend had been given during her time on the programme. Armstrong Watson are always providing me with a broad range of experience across different offices and departments to help support my chartered studies. Not only has this helped me to put the ACA theory into practice, but it has allowed me to continually build on my professional development in the workplace. I joined the Cumbria Chartered Accountancy Student Society as both ICAEW Student Council (ISC) representative and chair and I thoroughly enjoyed the roles, and the firm fully supported my involvement allowing me time out to travel to London and Cambridge to attend quarterly ISC representative meetings for the student council."

Lauren Graham, Audit & Assurance Assistant Manager

“I was really keen to take up the opportunity offered to me for a secondment in the Kendal office as Accounting Supervisor. I was nervous and not sure of what to expect but I knew the experience would broaden by knowledge, push me and improve my potential . I am always keen to put myself out of my comfort zone, learn new skills and try and better myself. I am only two months in and absolutely loving the Kendal office, the people are amazing, the office is amazing, and I love being a part of their team. Everyday is a challenge, but that’s what drives me, and it really proves that opportunities within the firm are there, you just have to have the right attitude and push yourself.”

Leanne Harkness, Accounting Supervisor

“Earlier this year I was offered the opportunity to move to our Glasgow office to manage the accounting department as the Accounting Manager. This was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and further my progression within the firm. Over the last 9 months the role has presented me with plenty of new challenges, tasks and increased responsibilities which I’ve enjoyed being able to deal with whilst also helping my own team progress. Personally the time I’ve been in Glasgow has helped me develop my skillsets and broaden my network within the firm with colleagues and clients. Overall this secondment has been a brilliant experience for me, made easier by the great team in Glasgow and the wider support from around the firm.”

Dan Cozens, Accounting Manager

Our Values

Passion

We share an enthusiasm for our firm and our clients. We have a real desire to contribute to making Armstrong Watson and our people successful, as well as ensuring our clients achieve success.

Trust

We can be relied upon as others have confidence in us, in our ability and in our integrity.

Humanity

Actively demonstrate compassion, consideration and kindness for others.

Honesty

We show fairness, consistency, integrity and are committed to being truthful, sincere and frank.

All content © 2020 Armstrong Watson. All Rights Reserved. Website by Simon Pighills.

Armstrong Watson LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, number OC415608. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW where a list of members is kept. Armstrong Watson LLP is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. Unless otherwise indicated, either expressly or by the context, we use the word “partner” to describe a member of Armstrong Watson LLP or an employee of Armstrong Watson LLP in their capacity as such.

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited is registered to carry on audit work in the UK and Ireland by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales, number 8800970. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW.

Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 542122. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales, number 7208672. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW. Armstrong Watson Financial Planning & Wealth Management is a trading style of Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited.

The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Armstrong Watson Trustees Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, number 84495656. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW.